Photographic apparatus for color cinematography



A. VALENTIN ET AL June 9, 1936.

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS FOR COLOR CINEMA'IOGRAPHY 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 1, 1935 June 9, 1936. A. VALENTIN ET AL PHOTOGRAPHIG APPARATUS FOR COLOR CINEMATOGRAPHY 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 1, 1935 Patented June 9, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT orr cs Auguste Valentin and Laurent iassani,

' Paris, France Application April 1, 1935, Serial No. 14,144

In France April 13, 1934 2 Claims. (Cl. 88-164) The present invention relates to cinematography in colors for which there are first Produced on one, two or three films of each picture, two or three negative images allocated each to'a definite color due to suitable selective screens arranged between the objective and the film.

Numerous types of apparatus are known for taking pictures and intended to produce these results, and some of these have an objective for each image to be taken, but the objectives thus used cannot evidently be directed exactly to one point in space and in particular for the foreground or close-up the images obtained cannot be superposed when projected.

It has also been proposed totake the three views consecutively by means of a single objective, but this led to the making of three movements of the film for taking the three single colors which were to constitute a picture and these three movements had naturally to be carried out inthe time used for one movement in taking a picture in black, which owing to the considerable efiort exerted by the feeder gripping devices on the perforation of the film, caused tearing and deformations which do not permit oi obtaining the distribution of the single color images on the fllm 'with the entire accuracy indispensable to ensure, on the projection, the registering of the single colors on the screen. Furthermore, this projec- 30 tion could not be carried out by means of the lproljecting apparatuses already existing in the On the other hand, and independently of the times or exposure which were considerably reduced for eachcolor, there was a lapse of time too great between the taking of the first color and that of the third color, so that in recording scenes in which rapid movements took place, the superposing'of the separate colors could not be obtained with the entire precision necessary.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for taking views, due to which and by means of a single objective, two or three difierent negative films may be simultaneously impressed by the colored rays which appertain to them.

In this apparatus, there is arranged between the objective and a first. film situated normally with respect to .-this objective, ,a semi-transp rent glass inclined at 45 with respect to the optical axis of the objective, and a second negative film is placed at a right angle to the first one in the path of the rays reflected by the glass.

If it is desired to-impress simultaneously three film's, a second glass parallel to thefirst is ar 55 ranged on the beam of the reflected rays, the third film is suitably placed with respect to this second glass.

The beam and striking the first inclinedglass, is divided into .twopartaafirstpartpassesthroughtbeglass of rays coming from the objective and continues on its way towards the first film, whilst another portion or the beam is reflected and is directed on to the second film.

In the same way, on the second glass the beam is again divided into two parts, so that finally the three films are simultaneously impressed.

To form the selection of the colors, it is advisable to utilize the glasses themselves as screens,

, and to this end the back of the glass or glasses is coated with a. varnish having the desired coloring.

The apparatus constructed according to the invention naturally permits of a mixed solution, that is to say, the taking of a three-color view (three images of each picture) on two negative films.

To this end, one of the films is exposed, as has been described, through an inclined glass, and the other film receives successively by reflection in the glass two impressions which although not simultaneous, are sufllciently close to be superposed these impressions, a colored selective screen is interposed between the film and the glass.

on the projection. Naturally, for each of v The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 shows a group of two negative films adapted for use in three-color photography;

Figure 2 is a plan section of the optical part of an apparatus for taking three-color views on two negative films; 1

Figure 3 is an elevation on the line 111-411. of Fi u 2;

Figures 4 and 5 show the front view-oi two shutter discs used in the apparatus:

Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the method of operation of the colored selective screen;

Figure '1 is a side view of thecomplete mechanism of the apparatus for taking views:

Figure 8 is a plan view of this mechanism;

.Figure 9 is a front view of the same mechanism;

Figures 10 and 11 are detailed views with respect to the control of the feeder gripping devices of the film;

Figure 12 is a view of the optical portion or an apparatus for taking views with three films.

It is known that for three-color cinematographic projection, which are made by means oi negative films impressed as shown in particular by Figure 1, where two films 20 and 2i of ordinary dimensions are shown and which are impressed for each picture, the first with two' images 22 and 23, and the second with a single image.

The images 22 and 22 may be, for example, respectively allocated to the blue and green rays, and the image 2 to the red rays.

Since, in the utilization of the films 20 and 2|, their running rate should be equal, it is necessary to place the'images 24 with intervals between them without an ima e, this interval being of the same dimensions an image.

that the rotation The optical portion of an apparatus for taking views according to the invention and permitting the impressioning of two films, comprises, as shown by Figure 2, an objective 25 mounted in the front part of dark chamber formed by the frame 26 of the apparatus. Perpendicularly to the optical axis of the objective 25, the frame 26 forms at a suitable distance a vertical passage 21 intended to receive the film 2|.

Between the objective 25 and the film 2| is arranged, according to the invention, a glass 28 with parallel faces and inclined at 45 with respect to the optical axis of the objective 26.

Perpendicularly to the mean rays coming from the objective 2! and reflected by the glass 28, the frame 26 forms a second vertical passage 29 intended to receive the-film 20.

In order to impress the film 2| by transparency through the glass 26, by means simplyof red rays, the back of the glass 28 is coated with a red varnish. Furthermore, between the glass 28 and the film- 2|, there is arranged a shutter 30 (Fig- "ure 4) having an opening 3| permitting the passage of the luminous rays for a certain interval of time when the disc an rotates regularly.

Since it is necessary to impress the film 26 successively by means, of the blue rays and then by the green rays, there is interposed between the glass 26 and the film 26 a movable double screen, shown particularly in Figure 6; this double screen comprises a frame 22 adapted to slide in vertical uides 66. other, 66, blue or violet, are fitted one below the other in the frame 62.

This frame, asshown by Figure 6, is connected by a rod 66 to a crank plate 31 rotating continuously. Finally,

Objective a second rotating shutter I6 fixed on the same spindle 66 as the shutter 66, but which comprises as shown by Figure 5, two openings, of which one, 46, coincides with the opening II and the other, 4|, is diametrically opposite to the first.

Figures 4 and 5, show that the angular extent of the openings 6|, 46 and 4| is about 120.

Figures 7, 8 and 9 show in detail the mechanism of the apparatus for effecting the suitable displacement of tionof the rotary shutters 66 and 68 and the alternating sliding of the screen carrying frame 32.

On thesefigureswillbeseenmost ofthemember's which have been described, but it is now seen that the fihns 26 and 2| are moved respectively by two integral toothed drums 42 and 46 on which they are according to well-known practice, by loose rollers suchas 44.

These films enter and leave'the frame 26 by two and connecting the interior of this boi; with a suitable magazine, not shown.

The two toothed drums 42 and 43 are fixed on a spindle 46 which is terminated on the outside square head 41 on which there an be engaged an ordinar feed crank (not own On the same spindle 46' is keyed a toothed wheel 46 which engages with a pinion 46 of much smaller diameter and which is keyed on an intermediate spindle 66 itselfmrrying a toothed wheel 6| engaging-with a pinion 62 keyed on a spindle 66, the end of which is seen on Figure 7 and which carries a cam 64 of constant width. It, should be noted that these various countershaft gears give a great multiplication and the spindle 66 is much more vices. screens, one, 34, green, and the '2. and 2|,

rapid than that of the operating apparatus.

crankofthe The intermediate spindle 66 carries outside the apparahis a pulley 55 which is adapted to take a belt coming from a suitable motor (not 5 shown) due to which the use of the crank could be avoided.

The spindle 66 also carries a helicoidal wheel 56 which, through the intermediation of two other wheels 61 and 68, rotates the spindle 36 which carries the shutter discs 66 and 36 at exactly the desired speed.

The spindle 63 which carries the cam 54, also carries a toothed wheel 69 which drives a pinion 6| keyed on to the spindle 66 of the crank plate 31 controlling the screen-carrying frame'32.

Finally, the cam 54 of constant width rotates in a cage 62 which is guided vertically in slides such as 63 of the frame 26. The cage 62 forms at its upper part a kind of platform which carries two horizontal gripping devices, 64 for the film 26, and 65 for the film 2|. As shown particularly by Figures 10 and 11, each gripping device has a finger 66 or 61 and these two fingers are connected by a right angled lever 66 pivoting about an axis 66 of the cage 62.

Owing to this lever, it will lie-understood that the movements in advance and inreturn of the gripping devices 64 and 66, are absolutely identical for one or the other of the two gripping de- The gripp r 65 carries a small cage 16 which surrounds a cam 1| of constant width and of comparatively great height, so that the cage- 16 can slide vertically on this cam without ceasing to be controlled. 5

The cam of constant width 1| is'keyed on a spindle 12 which is rotated in a continuous manner by the horizontal spindle 63 due to two helicoidal pinions 16.

The spindle 12 also carries at its upper part a 4 second cam of constant width shown at 14 in Figure 8 and there is seen at 15 on Figure 7 the cage for this cam. This cage comprises a counter grip ,16 placed above the grippin device 65 which deals with thevfilm 2|. 4

By means of a counter movement by an elbow lever 11 similar to that shown in Figure 10, the counter grip 16 actuates another counter grip 16 which deals with the film 26.

The mechanism of the counter grips 16 and 16 is, on the whole, identical with that of the gripping devices '64 and 66, except that the constant width cams 1| and 14 are diametrically opposite and the counter grips 16 and 16 remain at .a constant level, whereas the gripp ng devices 64 and 66 participate'in the vertical movement of the cage 62.

The operation of themechanism thus described is easily understood: the spindles 46 and 66 being set in movement, either by hand or by motor, the

passages 21 and 26, the constant width cam 14 is in a position such that the counter grips 16 and 16 are each engaged in a perforation of the films and these films are thus rigidly held fast. 7 e

"The corresponding openings II 'and 46 of the 70 discs 26 and 66 come into the optical axis or the objective 26 so that the rays passing through this objective strike the glass 26. A portion of these rays pass through this glass and then through the layer of red varnish with which it is coated.

I terrupt the luminous this end a varnish of this color is aocassa .illthcraysofcolorsotherthanthe redareatrestedbythislayerandthusonly theredrays strike the film 2i.

Nevertheless, the other portion of the luminous beam coming from the objective is reflected towards the film II, and since, at this instant the screen-carrying frame 32 has brought thegreen screen 34 opposite'this beam of reflected rays only the green rays will impress the film 20.

' Thus, the images 23 and 24 areimpressed simultaneously. Immediately afterwards the shutter discs I. and 88 interrupt the e of the luminous rays and by the cams II and 14, the gripping devices 64 and 65 penetrate into the perforations of the films II and II, while the counter grips II and II move away and permit them to shift in position.

From this moment, the cam "causes the cage 62 to descend, carrying withit the grips M and." and the 1111118 20 and ii. I

In the courseoi the following period, the counter grips I6 and II penetrate into the perforations. The gripping devices N and ll move away from the films and the cage '2 again rises with a view to the following movement of descent. But the films 2. and 2| for the moment, held stationary", and the shutter disc 3! brings its opening ll opposite the objective.

Since the disc 30 has a solid part in front of the film 2|, no ray can strike this film. It is not the same as regardsthe film 2| which is impressed by the rays-reflected from the glass 28, but

this time, through the blue screen 36.

"Iheimage 22 of the film2listhusim thereon. I Immediately afterwards, the shutters again inrays, the mechanism of the films to descend with a view apparatus causes the to the impression of the following picture, and

so on.

The variation of the apparatus for taking views shown in Figure 12 is intended to permit the simultaneous taking of three single color images on three independent films, owing to which it is possible to take in any way whatever, positive copies. a V

This variation of the apparatus comprises as previously, a single objective at behind which is arranged an inclined glass 8i.

Beyond this glass, there is in a vertical passage 82 a first film intended to beimpressed by the rays which have passed through the glass Ii. It is advisable that this film be impressed by red rays. To this end; there is applied to the back of the glass "a layer of red varnish.

Paralleltothe glass ii thereisarrangedasec- 0nd glass 83 and beyond this glass is placed a vertical passage or corridor N, intended to receive a second film which will be impressed by the rays reflected from the glass ii, but passing through the glass 03. It is advisable that these rays correspond simply to the green color, and to applied to the back of. the glass '3.

Finally, in front of. the rays reflected by the glass I! there is arranged a vertical w: e 8! taking a third film intended to be impressed for example by the blue or violet rays emanating from the subject.

To this end, a fixed selective screen of corresponding color is interposed between the passage or corridor It and the glass 03.

' interposed [ping devices and three counter grips,

action of the constant width The l of the a for taking views'according tol'lgure l2 issimpler than that previously described, since there are no longer any movable selective screens.

The three 'films being impressed simultaneous- 6 a single shutter I is suilicient and it must be between the objective and the glass The members effecting the simultaneous descent of the films obviously comprise three gripbut it should be noted that the es of slides 02 and 85 are parallel, so that two of the gripping devices will be made purely and simply integral and the third gripping device or counter grip will be controlled by means of a right angled lever similar to that indicated by ll on Figure 10.

. The operation proper of the apparatus for taking views of Figure 12 does not call for amr particular observation. As the threefilms are impressed simultaneously it is evident that the mean feed of these films is one-half the feed of the films necessary for the apparatus described-in the first place, thus an important economy in film is obtained, and on the other hand the mechanical members have a longer life.

We claim:--

1. An apparatus for taking views for cinematography in three colors, comprising in combination a dark chamber, a single objective, a guide track for a negative film to receive impressions in one color positioned inalignment with the optical axis of said objective, an'inclined glass positioned between the objective and said film track for reflecting rays from said objective, a second 35 guide track for a second negative fllm adapted to receive impressions in two other colors and positioned to receive rays reflected from said glass, means for displacing said films, color selecting screens positioned between the inclined glass and the two films to be impressed. means for impressing the second negative film successively with rays corresponding to said two other colors, and means forimthefirstfilmby rays of said first color at the same time as the second film is impressed by one of the two other colors.

2. An apparatus for taking views for cinematography in three colors, comprising in combination a dark chamber, a single objective, a guide track for a negative film to receive impressions in one color positioned in alignment with the optical axis of said objective, an inclined glass podtioned between the objective and said film track for reflecting rays from said objective, at second guide track for a second negative film adapted to receive impressions in two other colors andvpositioned to receive rays reflected from. said glass,

. means for displacing said films, a shutter positioned between the objective and the inclined gins, a-secondshutter and a fixed screen for selecting the first color interposed between the in- 

